On Oct. 25, once again two glowing processions moved toward the 90th Precinct to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence and give voice to those who are still being affected. The separate starting points commemorate two women who were influential in the creation of North Brooklyn Coalition Against Family Violence, and who were killed by their abusive partners.
Community leaders and organizations have been integral to the growing success of the vigil. City Council Member Antonio Reynoso, Assemblywoman Maritza Davila, Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez’s office, Los Sures, St. Nicks Alliance, Churches United for Fair Housing, and Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, among others added their support to the coalition’s cause.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Statistics show that domestic abuse reports have gone up three percent this year in New York City, and that NYPD receives a call reporting domestic violence every two minutes.
Furthermore, Mayor de Blasio proposed legislation on October 26th that would give paid leave to domestic abuse survivors who need time off to attend to their safety. “We need to make sure that work will be protected, not interrupted; that pay will be protected, not interrupted while a woman pursues justice,” de Blasio said.
The Greenline 